A little story
Pilgrimage
Mythological Significance
The Journey
The trek to Adi Kailash is both physically challenging and spiritually uplifting. The route takes travelers through dense forests, deep valleys, and snow-capped peaks. The journey begins from Dharchula, a small town on the banks of the Kali River. From there, trekkers make their way through picturesque villages like Gunji and Nabhi, where the air is filled with the fragrance of pine and the sounds of gushing streams.
The natural beauty of the region is breathtaking. Along the trek, the majestic peaks of Annapurna and the snow-clad Panchachuli range come into view, adding to the splendor of the landscape. The terrain is rugged, but the sense of serenity and the spiritual aura of the place give pilgrims the strength to continue.
Spiritual Significance
What makes the trek to Adi Kailash unique is not just the physical challenge but the deep sense of peace that envelops the region. The pilgrims believe that this place is blessed by Lord Shiva, and one can often see sadhus (holy men) meditating in the caves near the mountain. Many trekkers describe experiencing a spiritual awakening, a sense of oneness with nature, and a profound connection to the divine during the journey.
At the heart of the pilgrimage lies the Adi Kailash peak itself, standing tall at 6,191 meters. Though not as towering as its Tibetan counterpart, the mountain has an aura of mysticism that leaves devotees awestruck. Close to the base of the mountain is the sacred Parvati Lake, which mirrors the peak on its still waters, symbolizing the union of Shiva and Parvati. Nearby, the Gauri Kund, another sacred site, is a small pond where pilgrims perform rituals and offer prayers.
A Lesser-Known Gem
Adi Kailash remains one of the lesser-explored spiritual destinations in India. While Mount Kailash in Tibet attracts pilgrims from across the world, Adi Kailash offers a more secluded and intimate spiritual experience. It is often considered the “abode of peace,” where the journey is as important as the destination.
For those seeking an experience of tranquility, spiritual awakening, and a deep connection with the divine, the trek to Adi Kailash is a journey worth taking.
Fact sheet:
- Category – Spiritual/Nature
- No of days – 6 – 15 days
- Tour starts from New Delhi
- Best season – May – October
- Difficulty – Easy to moderate
- Optional – Narayan Ashram
- Documents – Passport & Fitness certificate
- Clothes – Winter wear
Tentative travel itinerary (Subject to change as per weather conditions and road traffic)
- Day 1: 12th Oct (travel - 240 kms)
- Departure from Haldwani at 6:00am
- Breakfast at Kainchi Dham
- Lunch at Jageshwar Dham
- Tea at Ghat
- Dinner at Pithoragarh
- Stay – Pine resort
- Day 2: 13th Oct (travel - 90 kms)
- Breakfast at Pithoragarh
- Departure time 11:00 am
- Lunch at Ogla
- Dinner at Dharchula
- Stay – Hotel Dev
- Day 3: 14th Oct (travel - 75kms)
- Breakfast at Dharchula
- Departure at 10:00 am
- Lunch at Budi
- Dinner at Nabi
- Stay – Homestay at Nabi
- Day 4: 15th oct (travel - 80 kms)
- Breakfast at Nabi
- Departure at 7:00 am
- Lunch at Jollingkong
- Dinner at Nabi
- Stay – Homestay at Nabi
- Day 5: 16th Oct (travel - 120 kms)
- Breakfast at Nabi
- Departure at 7:00 am
- Lunch at Budi
- Dinner at Dharchula
- Stay – Hotel Kailash Mansarovar
- Day 6: 17th Oct (travel - 140 kms)
- Departure at 8:00am
- Breakfast at Ogla
- Lunch at Thal
- Dinner at Patal Bhuvneshwar
- Stay – Parvati resort
- Day 7: 18th October (travel - 200 kms)
- Breakfast at Patal Bhuvneshwar
- Departure at 9:00am
- Lunch near Almora
- Drop at Haldwani